Distance: 3m 149y | Going: Good to Soft (Good in places)
Runners: 13 | Pace Forecast: Even

A strong renewal of this premier staying hurdle, and while the Stayers’ Hurdle form lines dominate, there are several dark horses lurking. Class, stamina, and recent form all play big roles, but there’s also a tactical edge here with an even gallop likely. This could subtly favour those who travel sweetly and aren’t too far back turning in.

⭐ Strongest Contender: TEAHUPOO (Gordon Elliott / Sam Ewing)

Fresh from a runner-up finish in the Stayers’ Hurdle, TEAHUPOO brings the strongest credentials and a weight of G1-winning form into this. His ratings consistency is rock solid, with back-to-back wins in the Hatton’s Grace, Punchestown Stayers, and Cheltenham Stayers’ over the past two seasons.

Timeform Comment:

“Very smart hurdler… goes especially well fresh, but still looks the one to beat judged on Cheltenham form.”

He travelled smoothly at Cheltenham, only headed by a quirky but brilliant Bob Olinger, and stayed on strongly. No chinks in the armour. Ticks all boxes: class, stamina, recent form, suitability of ground. Top adjusted rating of 169 confirms he’s the benchmark.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

🟣 KITZBUHEL (Willie Mullins / Paul Townend)

This unexposed grey is stepping up from 2m, but has stormed through a pair of races at Punchestown and Gowran, winning both on the bridle. While stamina is unproven, the sectionals and visuals suggest he’s a serious stayer in the making.

Timeform Comment:

“Smart form over hurdles… likely to progress further.”

With a +p Timeform symbol and travelling style that suits Aintree, he’s a classic Mullins spring improver. Gets a small pace map upgrade too, as the even gallop should let him cruise into it.

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🟣 THE WALLPARK (Gordon Elliott / M. P. Walsh)

Eyecatcher in the Stayers’ Hurdle, running a career-best 3rd at 7/1. Held up off a strong pace, he came through powerfully before peaking out close home. He’s tactically versatile, suited by this trip, and still improving.

Timeform Comment:

“Career-best effort when third to Bob Olinger… well suited by testing 3m and responds generously to pressure.”

Connections are flying and his profile fits well for a typical Elliott second-string winner in a spring Grade 1.

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🟣 HOME BY THE LEE (Joseph O’Brien / J. J. Slevin)

Unseated at Cheltenham when in midfield, but had previously beaten Bob Olinger by 6L in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. This fella stays all day and has multiple G1 wins on his CV, but the pace setup isn’t ideal – he’s best off a true end-to-end gallop.

Timeform Comment:

“Very smart hurdler… stays 3m and acts on heavy going. Usually wears headgear.”

Expect a late rattle, but he’ll need the leaders to do him a favour.

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🟣 STRONG LEADER (Olly Murphy / Sean Bowen)

Last year’s surprise winner of this race and has had excuses on both starts this season. Murphy’s horses are in better form now, and his record in spring is strong. If bouncing back, he’s more than capable of outrunning a double-digit price.

Timeform Comment:

“Smart hurdler… won this race last year… needs to bounce back but dangerous if doing so.”

Trainer/jockey combo has form in this exact contest. Major sleeper.